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Qualicum Beach chamber elects new board

MLA Ron Cantelon was on hand at the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting Wednesday, November 21 at the Thalassa Restaurant where he helped swear in some new board members. Left to right: Current board chair Moira Hauk, Ron Cantelon, Oura Giakoumakis, John Brioulo, Marc LaCouvee, Jim Lynch and Paul Walkey.

— image credit: Brenda Gough photo

Outgoing Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce President Peter Doukakis performed his last official duties in that capacity at the organizations Annual General meeting Wednesday, Nov. 21.

“I appreciated being here the last 18 months and the opportunities you have given me,” Doukakis declared.

He told old and new members at the meeting that his involvement with the Chamber has been positive and he pointed out that the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce can be proud of the great working relationship it has with the town.

He said he has talked to many different chambers of commerce across the province and not too many can boast about a positive working relationship with local governments.

“Most of them have an adversarial role but we are very fortunate in that we have a very positive and pro-active working relationship. We have contracts that are clear and they are for the benefit of both and the town allows us to go forward and recognizes us as the voice of business,” he pointed out.

He gave props to the board saying it is focussed and dedicated and understands the roles of governance.

“This chamber is strong, open and pro-active … it is an amazing governance model,” stated Doukakis.

He reminded everyone about the upcoming community awards event on February 20, 2013 which recognize businesses and residents who have made a real difference in the community.

Doukakis also applauded the addition of a new category for the awards. The NEWS has joined the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce and is sponsoring the News Maker of the Year award for this coming year.

The classic car aficionado also put rumours to rest that he is leaving the community.

Doukakis said he will continue to work with a couple of groups in the area that are near and dear to his heart.

“I have a passion for two committees. The first is the Seaside Cruisers Car Club. We are organizing the big 20th anniversary coming up and I will help them with their key sponsorship for that event.”

The Kwalikum Secondary School entrepreneur program is another project that Doukakis feels passionate about.

“We are taking young kids from KSS in their last year starting this January and matching them up with business professionals in Qualicum Beach and giving them a chance to really see business from a professional perspective and do some mentoring.

It will be a big bonus for the kids,” he admitted.

He said not only will students get their high school credits, they will get some key critical hands-on experience.

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